Introduction
There are few cinema experiences as awe-inspiring as watching a film in 70mm. With its stunning visual clarity, rich colour depth, and powerful six-channel sound, 70mm projection represents the pinnacle of analogue cinema. In an era dominated by digital projection, a 70mm screening is not merely a trip to the pictures – it’s an event.
This guide explores where to watch 70mm films in the UK today. From iconic venues in London to hidden gems in Scotland and the North, we’ll take you through the best cinemas equipped for this grand format, what makes 70mm so special, how to find upcoming screenings, and which films are worth seeking out. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned cinephile, this article is your map to the widescreen wonders of 70mm film.
What Makes 70mm Film So Special?
The term “70mm” refers to the width of the film print used in projection. It provides a far larger image area than the standard 35mm film, resulting in unmatched resolution, depth, and detail.
Key features of the 70mm experience include:
- Higher resolution: A 65mm negative (printed onto 70mm for projection) captures significantly more visual data, delivering sharper and more vibrant images.
- Aspect ratios: Formats like Todd-AO and Super Panavision 70 offer widescreen visuals typically in 2.20:1, while Ultra Panavision 70 expands to 2.76:1.
- Magnetic sound: Six-track magnetic sound provided immersive audio long before Dolby digital.
- Physical presence: The image fills a large screen with astonishing clarity and no digital artefacts.
From Lawrence of Arabia to 2001: A Space Odyssey, 70mm has been used to realise some of the most visually ambitious films in history. Recently, filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino have helped usher in a revival, reminding audiences of the format’s grandeur.
Top UK Cinemas That Still Screen 70mm Films
Finding a cinema equipped to show true 70mm is increasingly rare. Fortunately, the UK boasts several dedicated venues keeping the format alive.
1. BFI Southbank & IMAX, London
- Location: Waterloo, London
- Claim to Fame: Home to the UK’s largest screen
- Capacity: 500+
- What to Expect: Premier venue for Christopher Nolan releases, including Dunkirk and Oppenheimer in IMAX 70mm
2. Pictureville Cinema, Bradford
- Location: National Science and Media Museum
- Claim to Fame: Only public cinema in the world with working Cinerama, plus 70mm
- Special Event: Hosts the annual Widescreen Weekend film festival
3. Prince Charles Cinema, London
- Location: Leicester Square
- Vibe: Independent and cult-friendly
- 70mm Screenings: Occasional retrospectives, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Hateful Eight, and Tenet
4. Glasgow Film Theatre
- Location: Rose Street, Glasgow
- Notes: Occasionally screens 70mm prints during themed seasons or special events
5. Filmhouse, Edinburgh (pending re-opening)
- History: Hosted multiple 70mm screenings pre-closure
- Future Plans: Potential return with expanded format capability after redevelopment
These venues combine technical capability with passionate programming, offering audiences a true glimpse into cinema’s grandest format.
How to Find Upcoming 70mm Screenings
Because 70mm screenings are relatively rare, staying informed is key. Here are some ways to stay ahead:
- Check cinema websites: Especially BFI, Pictureville, and Prince Charles Cinema
- Use 70mm.org: A global archive of 70mm-capable venues and screenings
- Sign up to mailing lists: Many cinemas alert members when special formats are shown
- Set Google Alerts: For terms like “70mm screening UK” or “70mm Oppenheimer”
- Attend festivals: Widescreen Weekend and other niche film festivals often feature 70mm prints
Pro tip: Follow cinema projectionists and film preservationists on social media for insider tips.
What to Expect from a 70mm Screening
A 70mm screening is not just about the visuals – it’s about the occasion. Here’s what sets the experience apart:
- Event-like structure: Some screenings include intermissions, overtures, or introductions
- Soundscape: Full-bodied audio envelops the audience with directional effects
- Projection booths: Large, complex projectors operated by highly trained staff
- Print preservation: Some 70mm reels are decades old and require careful handling
- Audience etiquette: Enthusiastic but respectful crowds, often with a shared love of cinema history
Expect a higher ticket price, but a significantly elevated experience.
Iconic Films to Catch in 70mm
Some films were made for 70mm. Others were reprinted or restored for the format due to their visual impact.
Must-See Originals:
- Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – Super Panavision 70
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – Super Panavision 70
- Ben-Hur (1959) – MGM Camera 65 (Ultra Panavision 70)
Modern Revivals:
- The Hateful Eight (2015) – Shot in Ultra Panavision 70
- Oppenheimer (2023) – Filmed in IMAX 65mm and 65mm
- Tenet (2020), Dunkirk (2017), Interstellar (2014) – Christopher Nolan’s 65mm masterpieces
Note the distinction between “true 70mm” and “blow-up prints” of 35mm films. While the latter can still look spectacular, the originals offer full native resolution.
Conclusion: Keeping the Magic Alive
70mm film is more than a nostalgic novelty; it’s a reminder of what cinema can be when it strives for beauty, immersion, and scale. While most movie theatres have gone digital, a small but dedicated number of venues in the UK continue to project 70mm, keeping this extraordinary format alive for new generations.
If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate. Seek out a screening, book a front-row centre seat, and lose yourself in the grandeur of 70mm. You’ll understand why it’s worth preserving.
And if you know of other UK venues screening 70mm or have memories to share, let us know in the comments.